17 Penne Pasta Recipes You Haven’t Tried Before

Bubbly cheese and a rich, creamy tomato sauce? It doesn’t get better than this. Oh wait, it does—with kale.

Serve it as a side dish or the main course, but whatever you do, don’t forget the crispy breadcrumb garnish.

Would you believe us if we told you the sauce is vegan? You can thank Coterie member Monique Volz for that.

Forget boring or bland—this easy, spicy pasta is proof that penne can be the most exciting noodle on the block.

The whole wheat penne does double duty, adding a nutty flavor and upping the nutrition factor at the same time. (Thanks, Coterie member Heidi Larsen.)

Not all pasta dishes have to be laden with cheese to be delicious. This fresh mix of vegetables and balsamic is filling and healthy at the same time.

Have you had chickpea noodles yet? They’re gluten-free, low in carbs and packed with extra protein—a no-brainer in this already chickpea-heavy recipe.

What’s the sixth cheese? Burrata, of course. And if you ask us, it’s not optional.

Minimal prep time, minimal cooking time and maximum payoff. We’re officially obsessed with this recipe.

Since it can be served warm or cold, pasta is the ultimate make-ahead lunch option. You can use store-bought pesto if you really want to streamline things.

It’s all about the trifecta: penne, pancetta and peas. The goat cheese is just gilding the lily.

FYI, this one is ready in 25 minutes. It’s also dairy-free, in case you were wondering.

You’re 30 minutes away from this spicy bowl of comfort food. The chickpeas add texture and protein, and the burrata ties everything together.

This classic—courtesy of Coterie member Maria Lichty—is an ideal way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.

Aside from taking a mere 15 minutes to put together, this satisfying bowl can be made gluten-free and vegan. Just skip the Parmesan at the end.

Some nights you feel like pulling out all the stops. Others, you can’t lift a finger. This dump-and-go dish is for those nights. (Thanks, Coterie member Aida Mollenkamp.)

Golden brown, buttery mushrooms add an earthy note to this easy meal. The homemade pesto is worth the extra effort—just pulse everything in a food processor and dig in.